Sciatica

Sciatica is the name given to any sort of pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerve runs from the back of the pelvis, through the buttocks, and down both legs ending at the feet. Symptoms of sciatica include pain, numbness, a tingling sensation radiating from the lower back and travelling down one of the legs to the foot and toes, and weakness in the calf muscles or the muscles that move the foot and ankle. Pain can range from mild discomfort to very acute pain.

The research reviewed in 2017 showed manipulation to be superior to inactive control, conventional care and intradiscal injctions in terms of global effect.

For patients with sciatica we use a combination of highly specific manual techniques, flexion/distraction technique, soft tissue work, cryotherapy and advice specific to the patient followed by a rehabilitation exercise programme.